Funeral or Memorial Service

Decide whether you prefer a traditional funeral service, a memorial service, or a celebration of life event. Consider religious or cultural traditions, personal beliefs, and the wishes of your loved ones. Communicating your preferences in advance alleviates the burden on your family during an emotionally challenging time.

Burial, Cremation, or Donation

Determine whether you would like to be buried, cremated, or donate your organs. Organ donation is a remarkable act of generosity that can save and enhance lives. Registering as an organ donor and discussing your decision with your family ensures your wishes are fulfilled, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and life-giving impact.

Traditional Burial: This involves interring the deceased’s body in a cemetery or churchyard. Traditional burials often include a funeral service and a headstone or grave marker.

Cremation: Cremation is an increasingly popular option where the body is reduced to ashes. Families can choose to scatter the ashes, keep them in an urn, or place them in a columbarium or burial plot.

Green Burial: For environmentally-conscious individuals, green burials provide a natural and sustainable approach. The body is buried in a biodegradable container, allowing it to decompose naturally without harmful chemicals.

Organ Donation: A Gift of Life

Organ donation is a unique opportunity to leave a profound and lasting impact on society, even after you’re gone. By choosing to donate organs and tissues, you can potentially save multiple lives and improve the quality of life for those in need. Here are some key aspects to consider when contemplating organ donation:

Types of Donation: There are two primary types of organ donation: living donation and deceased donation. While living donation involves donating organs like kidneys or partial liver to someone in need, deceased donation occurs after death, where organs and tissues are recovered for transplantation.

Eligibility and Health Conditions: Anyone, regardless of age, can consider becoming an organ donor. Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death. Even individuals with certain medical conditions or age can donate specific tissues, like corneas or heart valves, which can significantly impact recipients’ lives.

The Waiting List and Transplant Process: Currently, there is a significant demand for organ transplants, resulting in lengthy waiting lists. By registering as an organ donor, you offer hope to those waiting for a transplant, increasing their chances of receiving a life-saving gift.

Registering as an Organ Donor: Ensure you are registered as an organ donor, either through your state’s organ donor registry or by indicating your decision on your driver’s license. This simple act demonstrates your commitment to saving lives and allows medical professionals to honor your wishes.

Informing Loved Ones: Discuss your decision to become an organ donor with your loved ones. Open communication ensures that your family and friends are aware of your wishes and can support them when the time comes. Address any concerns they may have and emphasize the potential impact of organ donation on others’ lives.

RECORD YOUR WISHES

An individual’s final wishes should always be noted in their estate plan.  Typically, burial arrangements and organ donation preferences are written into an advance health care directive or an individual’s will.  If these preferences are not recorded it will leave your family members and friends with little to no direction on the disposition of your remains.  An estate planning attorney can make your wishes clearly understood and ensure that those wishes are followed after your passing.